Ahead of the discussions on U.S. energy policy, the conversation centers on the need to rapidly address our mineral supply chains. During my time leading the Department of Energy, we tapped into the shale revolution, making the U.S. a net energy exporter and creating a strong energy economy. Now, there’s an urgent push from President Trump to extend that vision to critical minerals. He’s moving to streamline the permitting process, invest in strategic reserves, and enhance domestic production. There’s a clear understanding—whoever controls these minerals shapes the future.
The 2026 Mineral Commodity Overview from the USGS highlights a pressing issue: the U.S. is fully reliant on imports for 16 minerals, while over half of the products tracked depend heavily on foreign sources. This is a significant change compared to the Cold War era when the U.S. enjoyed a strategic surplus in critical materials. Years of excessive regulation and a misguided approach towards domestic mining have depleted our reserves, while rivals have capitalized on this gap. These minerals are critical, powering everything from military equipment to our electrical grid, and when we lose control over these supply chains, it affects not only our strategic position but also household utility costs.
China is acutely aware of this dynamic. With its dominance in refining crucial minerals—70% of lithium, 90% of battery-grade graphite, for instance—it has already wielded its influence as a geopolitical weapon. The restrictions on graphite and rare earth exports serve as a real concern today, not just a future possibility.
Despite these challenges, we have the resources and technology to regain our competitive edge. New American companies are emerging to demonstrate this capability. For example, in Nevada, Lithium Americas is progressing on the Tucker Pass, known as North America’s largest confirmed lithium resource. Meanwhile, IRIS Metals in South Dakota is working on the only U.S. project currently permitted to produce lithium and rubidium simultaneously—an element crucial for military navigation systems. In Alaska, Graphite One is developing Graphite Creek, which is the largest known natural graphite deposit in the U.S. Additionally, Vulcan Elements is set to construct a major rare earth magnet factory outside of China.
All these initiatives are under strict U.S. environmental regulations, which are not present in many countries we source from currently. Opting for domestic production aligns closely with the America First vision, leading to job creation and benefiting American energy workers.
There are financial implications too. Copper, essential for new housing in America, is facing shortages, affecting builders and buyers alike as we struggle to meet a need for 4 million new homes. Electric vehicles, which demand significantly more copper than traditional cars, face pricing challenges linked to global supply chains running through Beijing. Any political friction could trigger price spikes.
This is why it’s crucial for the Senate to take action on H.J. Res. 140, which has already passed the House and is approaching a Congressional Review Act deadline. This resolution aims to lift a two-decade-old prohibition on mining across 250,000 acres in northern Minnesota, where substantial resources, including nickel, cobalt, and copper, are located. Unfortunately, the Biden administration has restricted access to these vital minerals under the influence of special interests and Green New Deal policies.
Moreover, the Biden administration’s actions did not follow proper legal channels, bypassing necessary Congressional notifications. The Trump administration made amendments to allow Congress a meaningful vote, which has significant ramifications for future administrations regarding these resources. Such robust legal protections provide the certainty that investors and mining companies need to navigate regulatory processes successfully. It’s essential for leaders like John Thune and his colleagues to act promptly to ensure the permitting process is streamlined so that these resources benefit American workers.
President Trump has reiterated that America will not sacrifice its energy future to foreign powers—critical minerals are no exception. His administration’s actions reflect this commitment, and now the Senate must follow suit by passing H.J. Res. 140. Once achieved, we can expect more permits, new projects, and increased domestic mineral production. The president is at the forefront of this initiative, and it’s crucial for Congress to support it.
